Hi, my girl is now 13 weeks old, she's a german shephard.
Lately i have started to notice that when she is picked up she growls and tries snapping?
When she is picked up she is correctly supported so i know she is not hurting, im a bit worried about this as when shes older [not that i intend trying to pick her up] she will be alot stronger.
Also she seems as though cuddles are not allowed unless "she" wants 1.
May be i am worrying about nothing but i would like some feedback please
thanks
sam

Dogs growl if they are feeling uncomfortable.  You do need to be able to pick her up though and she needs to be happy about you doing it.  Maybe you are doing it when she was busy doing something else and that makes her a bit cross.  Just be patient and try to imagine how she's feeling.  Not all dogs like to be cuddled and if she doesn't want one then you should respect that.  How does your son react if you try to cuddle him when he is on the computer?  I will cuddle my dogs if they ask for one - sometimes and other times I may be too busy. 
Sally

thanks for your reply, i cant see this more clearly now, again dogs just the same as us, i know if i am busy doing stuff then i wouldnt like to be put off, i was more worried about others like the vet?
i will just give her time

Think this is a case of being a bit intuitive. IMO you have every right to pick your dog up if you want and I would say continue to do so and ignore any complaint from her. Pick her up and put her on a table and groom at least once a day, if she becomes impossible on the table try and ironing board (mind she does not fall). On the other hand be careful not to pick her up when you are sure she will resent it. The idea is to make sure she knows you have the right to pick her up, move her or groom her but at the same time do not try to cause conflict. Forget about cuddles if she does not want it that just muddies the water, but make sure that you handle her every day head, teeth, feet, touch the tail, be gentle and praise is she is relaxed about it and ignore if she complains. Better to make the situation clear to her at this age when you can manage her easier that when she is a good deal bigger.

Try not to cuddle her too much if she dislikes it (but they are just so cute at that age, i know ) and make it very pleasant for her. YOu could try giving her a really tasty treat such as liver each time you pick her up and she may well start to look forward to it.
I agree though that to an extent you need to respect that she is not "into it", while keeping in mind that you need to be able tohandle her and so will vets etc. If she goes tothe vet, give him a treat to give to her.

Also, make sure you use your voice to keep her happy and be very upbeat yourself. I can do lots with my dog and i swear it is not just early training but body language and chit chat that she "knows" :D

Lindsay

It also helps to tell a dog what you are going to do so that they know what to expect once they have learnt the association.  Like "show us ya teeth"  etc. etc.
Sally

Thanks for the possitive replies, i actually took her to the vet tonight for her 2nd jab and microchipping.
She was a diamond she did'nt flinch yelp or anything.
I was so proud.
I asked the vet about the growling, and was told to carry on at a steady pace, talking to her,
getting her used to looking at her teeth ,on my knee or a table, checking her ears and gentle grooming.
All of what i have read from your posts co-insides with what the vet said.
I feel more relieved and happy.
sam

My GSD is now 9 months and talking to them whilst your doing things is great for them the feel more at ease with you the more you do it.
Although youcan quite often see me washing up and having a conversation with her of what i need to do, or winging about the kids :-D men in white coats will be here soon.

Cordelia

Hi Sam,
It's important to teach your pup to relax when being held.  To do this you should pick your pup up & gently turn it on it's back in your lap.  The pup will probably struggle & create a fuss, but you should not let it go.  Instead, talk to her gently, looking in her eyes & telling her what a good girl she is, all the time gently stroking her tummy & her neck.  When she stops struggling, even if it's only after 30 seconds then let her go & play.  Do not let her go whilst struggling or she will have won.  I know it sounds daft, but eventually she will learn to enjoy these 1-2-1 sessions on your lap & learn to relax.  Gradually build up the amount of time she is cuddled & you should be able to go longer eventually.
This does work as I've seen it happen!
Good luck,

Nicola